Senior Buyer / Planner

Comfort Research•Grand Rapids, MI

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

Comfort Research is seeking an experienced Buyer/Planner to play a key role in supporting our supply chain by managing material procurement and inventory planning to ensure uninterrupted production and on-time customer delivery. This role blends hands-on purchasing execution with analytical planning, inventory management, supplier relationship management, and risk mitigation. The ideal candidate will enjoy collaborating cross-functionally to optimize inventory levels, strengthen supplier reliability, manage costs, and support the company's growth initiatives.

Requirements

BA/BS degree in Business, Finance, Operations, or Supply Chain.
5-7 years of professional experience in Supply Chain or Operations.
Minimum 5 years of prior experience in a manufacturing company, with a background in procurement, inventory management, new product development, and planning.
Advanced knowledge of MS Office software and ERP systems, with emphasis on MS Excel & data analytics.
This position requires strong analytical, organizational, decision-making, and presentation skills
Team-oriented and excellent communication skills are essential.
Willingness and ability to work in a global, multi-cultural environment with good interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

APICS (CPIM, CSCP) certification in supply chain management is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the Core Values of Comfort Research in daily actions, execution of tasks, and interactions with others.
Utilize ERP, MRP, and planning tools to procure assigned materials and maintain supply plans that support production and customer demand.
Monitor demand, inventory, and supplier performance; adjust purchase orders and supply plans to ensure material availability.
Lead supplier relationships to improve cost, quality, lead times, and on-time delivery performance.
Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through supplier development, sourcing alternatives, and process improvements.
Drive continuous improvement through the use of ERP systems, AI tools, and automation.
Perform data analytics to improve planning accuracy, inventory performance, and procurement efficiency.
Analyze and optimize inventory, safety stock, reorder points, and planning parameters to support service level goals while minimizing excess inventory.
Identify out-of-stock risks, supply constraints, and potential disruptions; develop and execute mitigation plans to maintain continuity of supply.
Review supplier quotations and competitive bids, recommending sourcing decisions based on total cost, quality, risk, and delivery performance.
Partner with Sourcing, Product Development, and Operations to support new product launches, product transitions, and strategic initiatives.
Coordinate supplier corrective actions and resolution of non-conforming materials, ensuring appropriate disposition, credits, and root-cause corrective actions.
Manage inbound logistics activities, including coordination with suppliers, freight providers, and customs brokers to ensure timely delivery of materials.
Maintain accurate supplier, lead-time, inventory, and planning data within ERP and planning systems.
Support the Supply Chain team in achieving departmental goals, KPI targets, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and engaging work environment.
HAVE FUN!
Other duties as assigned by leadership.

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) plan that begins accruing upon hire for eligible Ambassadors
Culture Awards program with opportunities to win cash prizes or extra PTO in addition to company-wide recognition
Several paid holidays throughout the year
Employee Assistance Program
Growing family bonus & extra PTO for new parents
Referral Bonus program
401(k) program with a generous company match
A variety of health insurance plans with company contributions to premiums
Dental, vision, and other ancillary insurance coverages available
Company-paid Short-Term Disability coverage
Company-paid Life Insurance policy
Exclusive employee discounts on Big Joe products